Kupastuntas.co, Bandar Lampung - The Provincial Government (Pemprov) of Lampung appealed to all state civil servants (ASN) not to use 3 kilograms of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). The provincial government immediately issued a circular letter to reinforce this appeal.

Regional Secretary of Lampung Province (Sekdaprov), Fahrizal Darminto, said that the 3-kilogram cylinder LPG is a subsidized item intended for the poor.

"3 kilograms of LPG is a product that is subsidized by the government. So civil servants are not allowed to use subsidized goods," said Fahrizal, Tuesday (8/8).

Fahrizal emphasized that currently the Provincial Government is still verbally advising ASN not to use 3-kilogram LPG. However, his party immediately emphasized the appeal by issuing a circular letter.

"So far ASN also know that they are not allowed to use 3-kilogram LPG. Later we will confirm it again in a circular letter. We will also continue to carry out supervision, even though in Lampung until now 3-kilogram LPG is not too rare," he said.

The Head of the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Office of Lampung Province, Sophian Atiek added that currently his party is still preparing the latest circular for restrictions on the use of 3-kilogram LPG, especially for civil servants.

"Wait for the new circulation regarding the 3-kilogram LPG. Because we are currently preparing it. Hopefully this week it will be finished," he explained.

Atiek explained, the presence of 3 kilograms of LPG in Lampung is currently sufficient to meet the needs of the community. For distribution until July 2023 it reached 58.8 percent.

While the 3-kilogram LPG quota for Lampung Province in 2023 is 196,831 metric tons (MT), and the reserve quota is 13,146 MT. So that the total quota received is 209,977 MT.

"The quota is still sufficient at this time. In addition, all of the reserve quotas have not been used. But later we will still evaluate whether there will be a proposal to increase the quota later," he explained.

Head of the SDA, Production and Marketing Team at the Economic Bureau of the Lampung Provincial Government, Zurizal said that his party would immediately hold a meeting with relevant agencies to ensure that the existence of 3 kg LPG in Lampung would not experience a shortage.

He admitted that until now there was only one area, namely West Lampung Regency, which reported that kilograms of LPG stocks were starting to run low.

"Until now, only West Lampung has complained that the quota is about to run out. We will discuss this later, if it is lacking, we will submit it again. Don't let the stock run out until December," he said.

His party together with related agencies also routinely carry out supervision in the field to ensure that there are no agents and bases stockpiling and selling LPG 3 kg above the highest retail price (HET).

"We always carry out surveillance by inviting the Legal Bureau, Pol PP to Hiswana Migas. We go to agents and bases, and ask them to sell according to the HET, which is IDR 18,000," he added.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Lampung Retail Sales Area Manager, Bagus Handoko explained, distribution of subsidized LPG is safe and sufficient to meet people's needs. The stock at the base level of 3 kg LPG is sufficient for the next two to four days.

He said, Pertamina as a distributor of subsidized LPG to the public is committed to providing the best service to ensure stocks are met for community needs.

"To keep the situation conducive and increase stock resilience at the base, Pertamina will increase supply. The addition will be carried out by operating distribution at all SPBEs with a total of 140,560 additional 3 kg LPG cylinders," he explained.

Monitoring at the LPG agent on Jalan Pulau Buru, Way Halim Permai, Bandar Lampung, the supply of 3 kg LPG is still safe.

"It's safe. We even got additional stock, yesterday only 100 cylinders were added to 140 cylinders. So until now it's safe," said the manager of the Asmani LPG agent. Asmani revealed that the price of 3 kg LPG is currently still relatively stable at around Rp. 18,000 per tube.

At the LPG base owned by PT Pertamina at the Kimaja gas station, the stock of 3 kg LPG is still sufficient. The incoming LPG supply reached 1,550 cylinders. "For the past two months, people who want to buy 3 kg LPG have to bring their ID cards and family cards. Because that's already Pertamina's regulation, and applies to all gas stations in Indonesia," said Redi as the supervisor of the Kimaja gas station. (*)